A Research Protocol: Analysing the Policy Implications of Biomedical Research in Morocco for African Health Systems (2021–2026)

This research protocol outlines a study to analyse the policy implications of biomedical research conducted in Morocco between 2021 and 2026 for strengthening health systems across Africa. The central problem is the persistent gap between scientific innovation and its translation into equitable health policies and system-wide improvements, a challenge acute within African contexts. Morocco’s emergence as a regional hub for advanced medical research, notably in oncology and genomics, provides a critical yet underexplored case for examining pathways to greater health system resilience.

Employing a rigorous qualitative case study design, the methodology involves a systematic document analysis of Moroccan research outputs, national health strategies, and regulatory frameworks. This is complemented by semi-structured interviews with key informants, including policymakers, research institute leaders, and health system experts in Morocco and other African regions. Through thematic analysis, the study will delineate the mechanisms through which domestic research influences national and regional policy agendas, with a focus on capacity building, local manufacturing, and ethical governance.

The protocol’s significance lies in its aim to generate an empirically grounded, transferable framework. This framework will demonstrate how strategically aligned research and policy can foster health sovereignty and improve systemic preparedness for health crises. The findings are intended to directly inform policymakers and research funders across the continent on optimising investments in local research for tangible, system-level health gains.